Contact: GovPress@wisconsin.gov or 608-219-7443
MADISON — Gov. Tony Evers this week announced more than $100,000 in grants to support the quality of life and foster economic development to protect and improve the Great Lakes resources in Wisconsin’s coastal communities. Administered by the Department of Administration’s Wisconsin Coastal Management Program, these grants will be used by local, state and tribal governments, regional planning commissions, universities, and nonprofit organizations to assist with projects throughout Wisconsin.
The intergovernmental and private sector collaborations aided by the Wisconsin Coastal Management Program advance Wisconsin and regional Great Lakes priorities such as enhancing public access, sustainable use practices, community development and resiliency, fostering future stewards, and resource protection.
“The WCMP is a great example of how we can protect our Great Lakes natural resources while supporting sustainable economic development along the shores of Lake Superior and Lake Michigan. These grants help local and tribal governments and nonprofit organizations fund projects that sustain and enhance the quality of life for Wisconsin’s coastal communities,” said Gov. Evers.
The governor stopped in Hurley, Wisconsin on Tuesday, June 4, to announce details of the Iron County coastal grant and on Wednesday, June 5, he announced the Ozaukee Coastal grant in Port Washington, Wisconsin.
Gov. Evers, Lt. Gov. Mandela Barnes, and DOA Secretary-designee Joel Brennan will make additional grant announcements and presentations in the coming weeks.
Recipients for this year’s grants were recommended by the Wisconsin Coastal Management Council, a Governor-appointed citizen, and governmental advisory group. The funds are part of Wisconsin’s federally-funded Coastal Management Program.
The Wisconsin Coastal Management Program balances sustainable economic development enhance and resource protection along Wisconsin’s Great Lakes coasts. The program awards federal funds from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s Office for Coastal Management in the U.S. Department of Commerce to local governments and other entities for innovative coastal initiatives.
Announced coastal grants information:
Project Name: Iron County Land and Water Resource Management Plan
Iron County Land and Water Conservation Department
Grant Amount: $12,995
Details: This project will result in an update to Iron County’s Land and Water Resource Management Plan. Coastal Resources would be a new element in the plan.
Project Name: Little Menomonee Corridor Ecosystem Restoration – Wetland Habitat Construction
Ozaukee County Planning and Parks Department
Grant Amount: $100,000
Details: This project will convert a portion of the Little Menomonee River from a straightened channel back to natural channel geometry including constructing several wetlands adjacent to this reach of the river.
